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Crime is present in various forms in thePhilippines, and remains a serious issue throughout the country.Illegal drug trade,human trafficking,arms trafficking,murder,corruption anddomestic violence remain significant concerns.
In 2014, the Philippines had a murder rate of 9.84 per 100,000 people, with a number of 9,784 recorded cases. The country also has the highest rate of murder cases in Southeast Asia in 2013, with a rate of 8.8, followed by Thailand.[1] The murder rate in the Philippines reached its peak in 2002 and 2010, with rates of 8.1 (6,553 cases) and 9.5 (8,894 cases).[2]
Organized crime in the Philippines can be linked to certain families or barkadas (groups) who perpetrate crimes ranging fromextortion, sale of illegal narcotics andloan sharking torobbery,kidnapping, andmurder-for-hire.[3][better source needed]
Illegal drug trade isa major concern in the Philippines.Meth ("shabu") andmarijuana, are the most common drugs accounting most drug-related arrests. Most of the illegal drug trade involved members of largeChinesetriad groups operating in the Philippines, owing to its location on drug smuggling routes.[4]
The Philippine law enforcement agencies face challenges in combating drug trafficking due to insufficient resources, limited investigative tools, and legal restrictions. The Anti-Wiretapping Act of 1965 hinders the use of surveillance, and plea bargaining and asset forfeiture are rarely utilized. Additionally, strict evidence procedures often lead to case dismissals. Despite proposed reforms, legal delays persist, hindering effective prosecution and adjudication of drug-related cases.[4]
During the term of Philippine presidentRodrigo Duterte, he initiated his controversial "war on drugs". This campaign has led to the deaths of more than 12,000 Filipinos over which 2,555 of the killings were attributed to thePhilippine National Police.[5] In September 2021, theInternational Criminal Court (ICC) authorized an official investigation on Duterte's anti-drug campaign.[6]
Petty crime, which includes pick-pocketing, is a problem in the Philippines. It takes place usually in locations with many people, ranging from shopping hubs to churches. Traveling alone to withdraw cash after dark is a risk, especially for foreigners.[7][better source needed]
Violence against women in the Philippines includes different forms ofgender-based violence. The term "violence against women" is "the word or concept (that) has been used in a broad, inclusive manner to encompassverbal abuse, intimidation, physical harassment,homicide,sexual assault, andrape."[10] This form of violence is gender-biased. Violence occurs precisely because of their gender, specifically because the victims are women.
According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey in the Philippines, one in every four (or 26%) ever-married women aged 15–49 had ever experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence by their husband or partner. Additionally, one in five (20%) women had reported ever experiencing emotional violence, 14% had ever experienced physical violence, and 5% had ever experienced sexual violence by their current or most recent husband or partner.[11][12]TheCOVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in child abuse in the Philippines. The study "The Hidden Impact of COVID-19 on Children" reported a 32% increase in household violence within the country, particularly in households with decreased income.[13] Additionally, in 2021 from a high-level dialogue between the Philippine government andUNICEF, the Office of Cybercrime from theDepartment of Justice noted a 260% increase in online child abuse reports in the Philippines during the pandemic.[14] This alarming trend, is often linked to job loss, financial stress, and increased time spent at home, leading to cases of parents abusing their children and even livestreaming the abuse.[14]
Human trafficking and theprostitution of children is a significant issue in the Philippines, often controlled by organized crime syndicates.[15]Human trafficking in the country is acrime against humanity.[16][17][18][19][20]
In an effort to deal with the problem, the Philippines passed Republic Act (R.A.) 9208, theAnti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, a penal law againsthuman trafficking,sex tourism,sex slavery andchild prostitution.[21] Nevertheless, enforcement is reported to be inconsistent.[22][needs update] While the 2003 and 2012 anti-trafficking laws criminalize sex and labor trafficking with penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and significant fines (between 1 million and 2 million Philippine pesos), the government's enforcement efforts have weakened due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.[23]
Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal. It is a serious crime with penalties ranging up tolife imprisonment for those involved intrafficking. It is covered by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.[21]Prostitution is still sometimes illegally available throughbrothels (also known ascasa), bars,karaoke bars,massage parlors, street walkers andescort services.[24] As of 2009[update], one source estimates that there are 800,000 women working as prostitutes in the Philippines, with some of them believed to be underage.[24] While victims are largely female, and according to the current Revised Penal Code, there are in fact a small minority of them who are male.[25]
Corruption is a major problem in the Philippines. In 2013, during the country's elections, some 504 political candidates were accused mostly of corruption and some of violent crimes.[26][27]
Notable criminally-active gangs in the Philippines include:
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